Ars Riot Squad reviews Killzone 2 Steel and Titanium Pack

Ars' very own Killzone 2 Clan takes the Steel and Titanium content for a spin …

Since the Steel and Titanium pack hit the PlayStation Network last night, I thought I'd turn to some local talent to give their thoughts on the content. Ars Riot Squad is our own Killzone 2 clan, and they've already played the hell out of the maps and have come back with this report.

We're approximately two months out from theKillzone 2 release, and the first batch of paid DLC is upon us. Up until this point, Guerrilla Games has provided several patches addressing various multi-player issues to show their commitment to the PS3's premier online shooter, but now it is time to ask the $6 dollar question: are the new maps worth it?

The Steel & Titanium pack was released on April 30th for the price of $5.99 for two maps, Wasteland Bullet and Vekta Cruiser, that are based on what Guerrilla Games has claimed are two of the more popular single-player levels.

Wasteland Train

This is a visually stunning level. It features two trains hurtling down the tracks at high speeds with many environmental hazards to be found. The trains are traveling side-by-side on parallel tracks with a gap in between that can be jumped across. There are concrete pillars which pass between the trains in groups and if you are jumping the gap or are close enough to it, things don't end well. There is the possibility that you can miss the jump and fall to your death between the two trains. These gaps also leave you exposed to enemy fire.

On the top of the train are more environmental hazards in the form of low-hanging objects which can take your head off it you aren't paying attention. This top level also makes for a good snipers nest since it isn't as frequently traveled and provides a good view of the whole train. The low-hanging objects atop are a much more annoying death, since you can climb to the top of the stairs and suddenly end up dead. However, audio clues that these hazards are coming give you the chance to avoid them.

Wasteland Bullet is quite large, as each train is fairly wide, quite long, and has multiple levels. And yet the path to get from car to car is often limited to two doorways or up a set of stairs, which can be nearly locked down by only a few people, forcing players to take a very long away around with at least two risky train-to-train jumps. It feels almost too big for small groups, but too narrow for large groups.

Ars Riot Squad's game size recommendation: 18-24

Vektar Cruiser

Vekta Cruiser is advertised as placing an emphasis on "vertical combat" and does achieve this to a certain degree. The vertical combat is similar to Corinth Crossing, one of the standard maps and an Ars Riot Squad favorite. Instead, this is truly a map where you must watch your back at all times, as not only are there multiple entrances for every room and area but opponents frequently drop in on objectives.

The basic premise of the level is that the Helghast have boarded the ISA Cruiser. While not as visually stunning as the Wasteland Bullet, we did notice some cool effects, like glass barriers shattering. The overall look is exactly like the single-player campaign level.

The Cruiser is nearly the opposite of Wasteland Bullet. It's small, gleaming, and multi-pathed—essentially a group of tightly packed two-level rooms, connected by doorways. You'll get shot in the back a lot, and shoot a lot of people in the back. It's very hard to block all the entrances to any given area, which makes for some intense firefights and a lot of back and forth. It probably bears the most resemblance to Tharsis Depot, but it's even more tightly packed, and so far seems to be the better of the two maps.

Teams that fail to stick together and support one another on this map will quickly fall, due to their exposed backs. The vertical nature of the map means it is more cramped in the horizontal realm, ultimately placing the objectives closer together; this in turns ramps up the action and can often produce some quick games. Because of the small size, some objectives are often very close to each other and make for quick rounds.

Ars Riot Squad's game size recommendation: 12-18

Conclusions

$6 dollars can seem a bit on the steep side for two maps. If you are dabbling with the multi-player, the Ars Riot Squad would recommend holding off and getting more familiar with the standard maps. However, if you are already a General and starting to feel a little too familiar with the given maps, this pack is for you. The maps provide a different enough experience from the original ones that will force you to rethink your tactics thus help to breathe new life into the online multiplayer. For serious Killzone 2 fans, this is a must buy.

I'd like to thank cayce, ArtichokeSap, ptmfr, the-edm, Onyx, Matt K, LegendbyName and
huntsvilleon for this great report on the new content. Keep defending the good Ars name, boys!